Central Ayrshire MP Brian Donohoe last month took part in Irvine’s heated debate on Scottish independence.

While he thought the event was worthwhile, the Labour MP believes the debate was marred by a Yes campaign “rent-a-mob”.

Here, he gives his views on some of the issues that unfolded on the night...

The debate in Irvine was, on the whole, a worthwhile endeavour and very well attended. The referendum is a hugely significant event in Scotland’s history and events like these serve to help voters to further inform themselves.

However, I have to say there were some of the Yes camp there who were not from the local area which was a pity as they seemed to be the ones causing the most fracas and stopping those who had genuinely come along to hear the debate and get their questions across from being able to do so.

So in that respect, I was not surprised as these kinds of things, whether attended by the socialist types who hang around Tommy Sheridan or the nationalist types who are firmly on the side of the SNP Yes camp, always end up attended by an ‘army’ of people with only one thing in mind and to hell with anyone with a different opinion.

That being said, the chairman, Rev. Neil Urquhart, did a sterling job of keeping those intent on disturbing proceedings in check and there was some very valid questions which I hope it was felt I gave valid answers to.

The question of whether Scotland is ready for independence is an emotive one which does seem to uncover the most passionate of responses from both those on the Yes side of the question and those on the No side.

My intention was to reach out to those who are not yet decided on how they wish to vote and to try and help they make an informed choice and I hope that, even if only one person left the debate clearer in mind on how they intend to vote, that intention was realised.

I would also respond to insinuations that I, for whatever reason, was not happy to be filmed on the night.

Firstly, media coverage was already organised in the approximate two-to-three months that it took the organisers to get the debate up and running.

Secondly, the organisation which turned up on the night without prior permission being granted (they claimed permission was given by the council and Tommy, when in fact the event was nothing to do with the council) called themselves ‘Clan Destiny’ – make of that what you will.

Ultimately, permission was refused by the debate organiser and it was the same man who felt he had to advise the crew that the police would be called should they continue to make a scene.

While tenuous accusations were made about stifling democracy, plenty of people got their say, the debate was recorded and broadcast on air and is still available for anyone to listen to.

The film crew – who turned up without prior notice or permission – were annoyed at not having got their own way and simply looked to lay issues they created themselves at my feet.

Having said that, I would again say that the debate was very worthwhile and I have had some generally good feedback from people who have thanked me and the other speakers for providing an informed debate.

However, I think should another such event be organised that perhaps calls for questions should be made beforehand from people in the locale who intend to attend and then such events will not be marred by a rent-a-mob hijacking.